Wave dissipating block for covering a breakwater

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a wave dissipating concrete block for covering a an inclined surface facing seaside on a breakwater for the purpose of dissipating waves securely and effectively. The concrete block of the present invention includes a cylindrical body, tapered lump legs projecting from the cylindrical body and branch legs cylindrically projected through a circular base disposed on the cylindrical body and having projections disposed thereon parallel to the cylindrical body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 2001-1263, filed Jan. 17, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a block assembly and, more particularly, to a block assembly for constructing a breakwater and dissipating waves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Generally, a breakwater is a barrier, such as a seawall, for providing protection to a structure attached thereto, such as a shore, harbor or ship, from the force of waves washing thereupon. There are various classifications of breakwaters used for different applications depending on the wave properties and wave height, such as an upright breakwater, a composite breakwater, and a sloping-faced breakwater. Typically, breakwaters are formed from natural stones and pebbles having a uniform size. However, by absorbing the full impact and force of the waves, the breakwater may suffer erosion, damage or collapse over time. In addition, gathering and using natural stones causes environmental damage. Thus, artificial blocks having concave and convex surfaces are used to cover the breakwater and protect it from damage and to decrease wave power by breaking, reflecting and dissipating waves.

[0004] In the prior art, a Korean Patent Application No. 99-9345 by Yang entitled “Multi-leg Wave Dissipating Block for Covering Breakwater”, teaches and discloses a wave dissipating block for use with a breakwater. The block includes a cylindrical body having lump columns and branch columns disposed thereon and being perpendicularly and radially projected therefrom. However, the branch columns are disposed so as to be narrowly spaced from each other and project perpendicularly from the cylindrical body, thereby causing the wave dissipation to be limited.

[0005] The present invention is aimed at solving one or more of the problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to solve one or more of the problems described above and to maximize wave dissipating effect regardless of wave status.

[0007] In one aspect of the invention, a wave dissipating block assembly for covering a sea-facing surface of a breakwater includes a cylindrical body, lump legs each having a longitudinally tapered surface and perpendicularly and radially projecting therefrom as a couple, at a designated distance from each other and at an angle, between each couple, branch legs formed as a couple, being disposed on the cylindrical body and perpendicularly and radially projecting therefrom, with each of the branch legs having a first diameter, circular bases perpendicularly disposed on the cylindrical body with the branch legs cylindrically and concentrically projecting therefrom and disposed on the circular base with each circular base having a second diameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section view of a breakwater covered by a wave dissipating block on the inclined surfaces thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wave dissipating block of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0011] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a wave dissipating block assembly for covering a sea-facing of a breakwater is generally shown at 10.

[0012] The assembly 10 comprises a cylindrical body 1 made out of concrete or any other suitable material, lump legs 2, 2 a, 2 c, 2 d each having a longitudinally tapered surface and perpendicularly and radially projecting therefrom as a couple, such as 2,2 c and 2 a, 2 d, at a designated distance from each other and at an angle, such as 120 degree angle between each couple, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The assembly 10 further includes branch legs 2 b, 2 e formed as a couple, being disposed on the cylindrical body 1 and perpendicularly and radially projecting therefrom with each of the branch legs 2 b, 2 e having a first diameter. The assembly 10 further yet includes circular bases 3, 3 a perpendicularly disposed on the cylindrical body 1 with the branch legs 2 b, 2 e cylindrically and concentrically projecting therefrom and disposed on the circular base 3, 3 a, with each circular base 3, 3 a having a second diameter. In one embodiment, the first diameter of each of the branch legs is less that the second diamter of each of the circular bases. The assembly 10 still further includes tapered projections 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c projecting outwardly from each side of the branch legs 2 b, 2 e and, in general, extending parallel to the cylindrical body 1.

[0013] Each of the lump legs 2, 2 a, 2 c, 2 d includes a tapered surface which is narrower at one end, as shown in FIG. 2. Each of the branch legs 2 b, 2 e are cylindrically shaped and the outwardly tapered projections 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c narrowed on each end may be projected therefrom, parallel to the cylindrical body 1 or perpendicular to the cylindrical body 1.

[0014] The shape and structure of the legs and projections in the block assembly of the present invention contribute to wave dissipation by impacting, dispersing and reflecting waves to the legs and projections.

[0015] In the present invention, there are spaces defined between the lump legs 2 and 2 c and also between the lump legs 2 a and 2 d in which may be filled by the branch leg 2 b with projections 4, 4 a or branch leg 2 e with projections 4 b, 4 c of another wave dissipating block assembly for assembling, distributing or loading the blocks in the surface of the breakwater.

[0016] According to the present invention, when arranging the wave dissipating blocks for covering the sea-facing surface of the breakwater, it may be possible to selectively arrange the blocks on the breakwater longitudinally or transversely according to topographical location and conditions of the breakwater, which improves wave dissipating effect for straight wave or reflective wave, and also improves wave dissipating effects by increasing surface contact area to waves because of the legs 2, 2 a, 2 c, 2 d, 2 b, 2 e, projections 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and circular bases 3, 3 a formed on the cylindrical body.

[0017] Obviously, may modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wave dissipating block assembly for covering a sea-facing surface of a breakwater, comprising: a cylindrical body; lump legs formed as a couple and being disposed on said cylindrical body for perpendicularly and radially projecting therefrom at an angle; branch legs, formed as a couple, being disposed on said cylindrical body and perpendicularly and radially projecting therefrom with each of said branch legs having a first diameter; a circular base having a second diameter and being disposed on each of said branch legs and radially and perpendicularly disposed on said cylindrical body; and a projection disposed perpendicularly on each of said branch legs and having outer surrounding surfaces being tapered and extending from each side of said branch leg parallel to said cylindrical body.
 2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said angle is 120 degrees.
 3. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first diameter of each of said branch legs is less than said second diameter of said circular base.
 4. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cylindrical body includes a plurality of branch legs perpendicularly projecting therefrom and extending along a direction of said cylindrical body.
 5. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a wave dissipating block disposed on said assembly and having a leg disposed thereon with said leg juxtaposed between said lump legs of said assembly.
 6. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said assembly is concrete 